Youth Set to Learn the Diversity of Agriculture at OSU

Note:  Oklahoma EPSCoR is proud to provide funding for the OSU REYAP program.  See the OSU Agricultural Communications Services story below for program details.

STILLWATER, Okla. – There are literally thousands of careers available in the field of agriculture.

To promote awareness of these opportunities among culturally diverse youth, the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (DASNR) at Oklahoma State University has teamed with the Retired Educators for Youth Agricultural Programs (REYAP) and OSU’s Office of Institutional Diversity to host the 2013 REYAP Agriculture Science and Technology Institute.

The OSU-Stillwater campus will be home to approximately 20 campers with the program, and 10 Stillwater area youth who will be joining the institute as day-campers. The participants will get a feel for college life and get their feet wet in the world of higher education.

“These REYAP Summer Institute participants are winners already in that they have chosen to study, conduct research and develop leadership skills during their summer vacations,” said Rob Terry, head of OSU’s Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership. “Interacting with this diverse group of students is a great opportunity, not only for the REYAP participants, but for enriching the educational experience of graduate students in the department.”

The institute is June 24-28. Through the program students learn the studies in agricultural sciences and natural resources not only lead to traditional agriculture jobs, but also complex and technical fields.

“Central to the EPSCoR mission is the integration of education and research programs,” said Jim Wicksted, associate director for Oklahoma Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). “The research projects conducted by these bright students are quite impressive and I believe these young people have great futures ahead of them if they set goals associated with the science and agricultural interests that they’ve identified.”

This year’s program features research projects on wind power, pedigree and calf paternity, food processing and development, alternative energy and pollution, and much more. The participants also will work with DASNR faculty and practice presentation and leadership skills.

"The students in REYAP are very bright students who will one day be OSU Cowboys," said Mike Woods, interim vice president, dean and director for agricultural programs at OSU. "They are very impressive students and our faculty is enriched by the experience as much as the youth."

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.

REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Sean Hubbard
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
145 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-4490
Fax: 405-744-5739
Email: [email protected]